Senior Director, Legal

Risepoint assists primarily regional universities in increasing their access and impact by making their academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007, Risepoint's mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult students. Risepoint brings single-minded dedication to student success, an integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our collaboration with university partners.

At Risepoint, we provide expertise that fuels enduring growth. As a trusted partner to regional public universities, we support the delivery of affordable, workforce-relevant online programs while enabling institutions to focus on their core academic missions. We provide services that remove friction for students and institutions alike—ultimately contributing to a stronger ecosystem where students access education, graduate successfully, and see meaningful returns on their investment.

We are seeking a strategic legal leader to join our team and advance this mission and compliant growth through expertise, ethics, and a forward-looking, innovative mindset.

Position Summary

The Senior Director, Legal will serve as a generalist within Risepoint’s Legal function. While the role will have focus areas, responsibilities span commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, employment law, corporate transactions and M&A, data privacy, and enterprise risk management. This individual will operate as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, driving legal strategies that balance risk mitigation with operational agility.

This role requires a combination of strong legal skillsets (from precise drafting, interpreting the law with fidelity to defending positions ethically and persuasively), practical business judgment, and the ability to represent the Legal Team at all levels, including with the Executive Leadership Team and our Board. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and is motivated to proactively provide the legal underpinnings for a successful execution of our strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Strategy and Commercial and Transactional Leadership

• Lead and negotiate high-value, complex commercial contracts with universities, service providers, and vendors.
• Together with outside counsel, and working cross-functionally, manage and negotiate M&A transactions.
• Partner cross-functionally with business leaders to evaluate risk, structure deals, and align on contract terms that support strategic growth.
• Serve as a legal advisor in executive-level decision-making, offering practical guidance aligned with business priorities.

Employment, Compliance, and Regulatory Risk

• Oversee employment law compliance across jurisdictions (U.S., U.K., Australia), providing guidance on workplace matters, dispute resolution, and global HR practices.
• Maintain and evolve Risepoint’s suite of people-related legal documents, employee policies, and training frameworks.
• Manage and resolve employment-related investigations and disputes in partnership with the People team.

Regulatory and Data Privacy

• Ensure compliance with relevant data privacy and higher education regulations, including but not limited to FERPA, GDPR, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and federal guidance on incentive compensation in higher education.
• Provide subject matter expertise on advertising and consumer protection regulations applicable to our student acquisition and marketing functions.
• Lead development and delivery of internal training and compliance protocols to mitigate risk and enhance organizational readiness.

 Qualifications: 

 Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor, licensed to practice law and admitted to a bar in the United States
• Minimum of 7 years of experience of practicing law with at least 4 years at a large law firm or a large in-house legal department
• Experience with employment law and compliance in the US or globally are an advantage
• No specific subject matter expertise is required, but a track record of managing complex legal matters hands-on (whether in litigation or transactionally) in high stakes environments will be preferred

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong critical thinking skills and equally strong business acumen
• Highly organized and diligent work habits to advance collaboration within the Legal Team and across functions
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills
• Smart, inquisitive legal mind that asks questions before jumping to answers
• Ability to analyze laws and regulations, generate actionable insights, and present them persuasively

Personal Attributes:

• Results-oriented with a proactive approach
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment across multiple time zones
• A team player who is comfortable building relationships in a remote-first environment

Risepoint Offers The Following Comprehensive Benefits

• 18 days PTO + Winter Shutdown
• 12 designated holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Medical – four options
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & Disability (company paid)
• Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account
• Retirement plan with company match
• Maternity / Paternity / Parental Leave (company paid)
• Volunteer Time Off
   

Supplemental Benefits

• Wellness program
• Alternative medicine options
• Pet discounts
• Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
   

Personal And Professional Development

• Continuous Professional and Leadership Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement for employees and their dependents
• Rewards & Recognition programs

#LI-PM1